New practice paper: Responding to childhood suicidal ideation through understanding and curiosity

Children, even at a very young age, can experience significant distress and despair that may lead them to think about suicide. Adults and practitioners in children’s lives have invaluable opportunities to create safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences, which can reduce their sense of isolation and burden.

Our latest practice paper highlights the importance of listening to children and striving to understand their thoughts, ideas and perspectives on the challenges they face, which can provide them with immense relief. By practising intentional curiosity, practitioners can identify how children are responding to their circumstances and recognise how these responses are connected to what matters most to them. Through this work, practitioners can help to unearth children’s skills and expertise.

This practice paper is designed for practitioners directly working with children who may be experiencing distress and their families. It acknowledges that children may endure prolonged distress, which can lead to despair and suicidal ideation. Practitioners can use key practice strategies to help children and families explore and develop their strengths and enhance their mental health and wellbeing responses.